Influence of Nutrient Deficiency on Proline Accumulation in the Cytoplasm of Zea mays L. Seedlings

Abstract

Summary The proline and protein contents in roots and shoots of maize seedlings were studied under nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium deficiency. As in the case of water stress, the proline content in the tissue is increased also by nutrient deficiencies. Proline accumulation induced by nutrient deficiency could be detected after one week, and it increased during the experimental period of 4 weeks. In root segments in which the cells were vacuolized to different extent nutrient deficiencies induce a dramatic increase of proline content, but only in the less-vacuolized cells of the tip region of the root. It is concluded that, similar to water stress, proline is accumulated in the cytoplasm (Goring et al. 1977) and here acts as an compatible substance. The common causes of the activation of proline formation under so different conditions of stress are discussed.